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Chapter 205: The Establishment of the Tang Dynasty
Two days later, Li Yuanji led Wang Shichong into the capital. Li Jiancheng also met with him at the Martial Virtue Hall, where he conferred upon him the title of Silver Blue Grand Minister of Ceremonies and appointed him as Marquis of Xinfeng, Grand Counselor of Hongnong.
He ordered him to lead his troops to eliminate the bandits in Hongnong and Shangluo counties. Wang Shichong had just entered the capital for a day when he was immediately dispatched again.
Wang Shichong was quite dissatisfied with his position. As a defeated general, he found it hard to accept that he was ranked so much lower than Li Mi, which clearly indicated that it all came down to their backgrounds.
However, Wang Shichong was a clever man. He paid no heed to the voices among his subordinates urging him to rebel; given the current situation with the Tang Dynasty, there was nowhere left for them to find refuge.
Although the title of Marquis of Xinfeng was not as illustrious as that of Duke, combined with the position of Prefect of Hongnong, it still held great potential in the long run.
When Yang Guang ascended to the throne, he had also vigorously promoted the Noble Families of Guanlong, who had been suppressed by Wen Emperor. But after some time on the throne, it was inevitable that he would start to suppress Guanlong again and elevate others.
The next day, Wang Shichong publicly executed several generals who had incited rebellion among his ranks, declaring his unwavering loyalty to Tang Wang and swearing never to betray him. He warned that anyone daring to speak of rebellion would meet the same fate without mercy!
Meanwhile, good news arrived from Duke of Wei Li Jing; he had captured Yuwen Huaji and his brother and was sending troops to escort the regicides back to the capital for judgment by Tang Wang.
In truth, Yuwen Huaji had prepared poison for himself, just like Yang Guang, intending to drink it when the city fell to avoid torture. Unfortunately for them, they were betrayed by their own men. When Li Jing appeared before them, both brothers were still intoxicated and had no chance for a swift end.
In Jiangdu, Li Shimin had already executed Li Zitong, causing Du Fuwei to flee back to Liyang. Before Du Fuwei could catch his breath and attempt to seize Li Zitong's territory, Xiao Xian's troops arrived.
Du Fuwei helplessly surrendered to Duke of Zhao Li Shimin, who gladly accepted him. Du Fuwei's five thousand elite troops were fully incorporated into Heroic Fruit.
Subsequently, Duke of Zhao led his forces to clean up the Jianghuai Bandits and then followed Tang Wang's orders to march north against Xu Yuanlang.
…………
Han Wang and Tang Wang personally went out of the city to welcome Grand Empress Dowager Xiao Family's carriage. They honored her with respect befitting relatives and escorted her safely into the palace.
Grand Empress Dowager sighed, "In times of great calamity, only relatives can be relied upon."
In October of the first year of Great Unity, Consort Tang gave birth to a son. Tang Wang rewarded everyone in the palace generously. After Han Wang offered sacrifices to their ancestors, he named Tang Wang's legitimate eldest son Chengzong!
At the end of December, Tang Wang ordered the execution of Yuwen Huaji and Yuwen Zhiji, along with a group of usurpers who had committed regicide, to avenge the Predecessor Emperor. The citizens of Chang'an gathered to witness the gruesome scene, their cries of anguish echoing for a long time before they succumbed to death.
Following this, the Emperor issued a decree in accordance with the ancient rites of abdication: "Heaven has brought calamity upon the Sui Dynasty. The Great Emperor encountered bandits in Jiangdu. I pity myself, a mere child, having caused great offenses. I mourn deeply and feel utterly devastated, reflecting on the toxicity of this situation. Vengeance is deeply felt; I am left in solitude, unsure of where to turn.
Chancellor Tang Wang has been entrusted with this mission, supporting the weak and rescuing those in peril. He has traveled from north to south, waging campaigns east and west, uniting the Nine Alliances among the feudal lords, achieving victories over thousands of miles, rallying both Barbarians and Chinese alike, providing shelter for the Common People, ensuring my safety—he is my reliance.
Deed Matching Creation, Achievement of the Azure Sky—may all subjects return to their hearts; this is destined to happen. I am reduced to being a subject, defying Destiny.
In ancient times during the Yu and Xia dynasties, there was mutual respect and yielding. If not for Zhonghua, who could bear Yuan Yu?
In today's Collapse of the Nine Provinces and Three Spirits Reinterpretation, great fortune has departed. I ask that we avoid the path of virtue; plans are laid out for benevolence, yet none can care for themselves. My private servant must return to his homeland. I am but a temporary king; how could it be as such when Heaven has abandoned me?
Now following tradition, I yield my position at the old residence. The officials should transition their duties to the Tang Dynasty and adhere to previous customs while honoring my title. It is as if I am shedding a heavy burden and feeling both peace and nostalgia.
Through the hands of Real Person, let us remove disgraceful acts and gather many talented individuals who understand my intentions. Henceforth, all petitions must not be submitted for consideration."
Tang Wang humbly declined at first. The next day, the Emperor issued another decree; after three refusals, he finally accepted it. The grand ceremony of abdication was completed—the Sui Dynasty fell while the Tang Dynasty rose.
Xun Emperor removed the imperial crown from the Emperor's head and moved out of the palace to return to his former residence. Tang Wang took charge of Supreme Harmony Hall, first honoring Han Wang as Retired Emperor. He then established Tang as the land's virtue and set the era name as Peace. After the grand coronation ceremony in January, it would officially be known as Taiping Yuan Year.
As Li Jian Cheng moved into Supreme Harmony Hall from Martial Virtue Hall, his days did not change much; however, petitions requesting allegiance increasingly piled up on his desk.
Then came daily inquiries from the Ministry of Rites regarding the coronation ceremony's procedures and discussions about titles for various members of the Royal Family.
In subsequent days, Li Jing, Li Shimin, Xue Ju, Li Mi, and others seemed to compete fiercely against one another; news of victories arrived daily as notorious bandits across the realm either perished or surrendered before the ceremony concluded.
In Taiping Yuan Year (618), within Chang'an Taiji Hall, new Emperor Court Robes adorned him as he respectfully worshipped at Heaven and Earth Ancestral Shrine alongside Retired Emperor in similar Court Robes while posthumously honoring Ancestral Spirits as emperors.
Afterward, he escorted Retired Emperor back to rest in the palace. Changing into ceremonial attire once more and surrounded by Courtiers, he ascended step by step onto the platform until he stood alone at its peak. Turning around to look back at his Courtiers bowing in reverence established their roles as Ruler and Minister.
Li Jian Cheng couldn't help but recall Yang Guang's ascension scene; so many years had passed since then. He remembered watching Wen Emperor pass away in Ren Shou Palace while witnessing Emperor Yang ascend—how many of those old acquaintances were still alive today?
Gazing toward the bright light in the hall, he seemed to see Yang Guang again—the familiar face and figure now dimmed without that previous arrogance.
You have lost, but I will not. I will inherit your aspirations and, with your lessons, I will walk more steadily and firmly. The Sui and Tang are ultimately connected.
Li Jian Cheng slowly sat down, his gaze returning to the courtiers present: Li Shimin, Li Jing, Li Xiaogong, Li Mi, Xiao Xian, Wang Shichong, Du Fuwei, Xue Ju, Qin Shubao, Xu Shijie, Dan Xiongxin…
On the other side were Xiao Cong, Li Yuanyuan, Dou Wei, Dugu Huai'en, Chen Shuda, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Wang Yi, Liu Wenjing, Wei Zheng, Pei Xi, Pei Ji…
These individuals could be both the support for great governance and the source of chaos. The royal family, Guanlong leaders, military heads, and aristocrats—none of them are easy to manage.
Li Jian Cheng issued an edict to all subjects: “Since the beginning of humanity, the shepherding of trees has been a great treasure. Throughout history, no one should seek comfort in idleness. Thus did Shun and Yu act with fairness to establish the Xia dynasty; Tang and Wu worked together with thousands of weapons to stabilize the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Though their paths were different, their achievements were united. Those who come after must take heed.
In times of family celebrations and blessings from ancestors and forefathers—through accumulated merits and virtues—grants shall be given to those who serve in the villages and restore the old Tang nobility… Some guard Jinyang while striving for Wei’s capital; they lend a hand to those in need and rescue those in peril.
With a great mobilization of righteous troops, we shall bring peace to the realm. We will punish the chaos at the borders and unite the hearts of the people. We vow to sacrifice ourselves to save lives and eliminate disorder for a hopeful future…
We shall proclaim our authority over Min and E; we will pacify Guanlong with open hands. The Western tribes shall be settled; the Eastern barbarians shall be subdued. Whether we initiate or praise this effort matters not; who can achieve this swiftly? We shall honor the rightful heirs and support the lineage of Sui with all our strength in governance without failing our duties as subjects.
As we stand at this pivotal moment of change in fortune and destiny, let us sing praises for justice as we approach the Tang residence.
May divine signs bless us; let our hearts unite from near and far. The Huayi seek our command… May clarity descend upon us as we prepare offerings for rituals; let us grant amnesty across the land and change the second year of Great Unity to Taiping Yuan Year. Let it be proclaimed throughout the realm so that all may hear!”
(End of chapter)
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